Gabriel Martinelli was feared to be out long-term after turning his ankle in the warm-up against Newcastle in the FA Cup game win Saturday evening.
The Brazilian was in a lot of pain, and Arteta later revealed he found him in tears and feared the worst. Martinelli was later pictured in the stand wearing a protective boot, but the club has since provided an update on the situation, much to the relief of Gooners everywhere:
“Gabi turned his right ankle during the warm-up against Newcastle United on Saturday and was subsequently taken out of the starting line-up, Gabi has progressed very well and we’re hoping that he will return to full training with the squad in the next few days…”
Martinelli was replaced in the line up by Reiss Nelson, the youngster who, himself has only just returned from injury. Martinelli could even be in line for the Palace game this Thursday, but it would be a brave Mikel Arteta to risk the player given what happened to Thomas Partey against Tottenham when he was rushed back from injury.
Martinelli has also just returned from six months out with a knee injury, so it’s unlikely he’ll play but could make the bench for the Newcastle league game next Monday perhaps.
In other news, Gabriel is also available after his positive coronavirus test and Thomas Partey is also back in full training, more team news tomorrow reader(s).
